Vulture

 I had walked since dawn and lay down to rest on a bare hillside
Above the ocean. I saw through half-shut eyelids a vulture wheeling
 high up in heaven,
And presently it passed again, but lower and nearer, its orbit
 narrowing,
 I understood then
That I was under inspection. I lay death-still and heard the flight-
 feathers
Whistle above me and make their circle and come nearer.
I could see the naked red head between the great wings
Bear downward staring. I said, "My dear bird, we are wasting time
 here.
These old bones will still work; they are not for you." But how
 beautiful
 he looked, gliding down
On those great sails; how beautiful he looked, veering away in the
 sea-light
 over the precipice. I tell you solemnly
That I was sorry to have disappointed him. To be eaten by that beak
 and
 become part of him, to share those wings and those eyes--
What a sublime end of one's body, what and enskyment; what a life
 after death.

Form: Free verse

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